Place: Reviews & Ratings

Was really blown away by this place. As I recall, about 95% of their stuff are in coolers. I think anything can be purchased in singles, although I still would like to see more 6 pack selection, this seems to be a downward trend in availability.

Totally inconspicuous location. Wide open floor plan inside. They had all kinds of gems of selection. I mean, I got my first Southern Tier stuff here (3000 miles away), and it was still delicious. Anyways, after spending almost an hour going through the store and spending way more than $100, the dude at the register allowed me to pick out some pint glasses for free. Wish I was in the area more often. This is a world class bottle shop.

EDIT: On my second trip, they didn't give me anything free, and they get even stingier with the cardboard you wanna take. Still, I'm gonna keep shopping there, but its not quite as elite as my first impression, at least service wise. (1,020 characters)

Warmed up to the place since my initial review. Was irked by the service I received from one of the employees and left a bit of a sour taste in my mouth (looking at some of the other reviews, this appears to have happened to others as well). They keep a very good stock, but be prepared to wait in line before the store opens for rare releases. Tiffany does do a good job keeping the website updated, posting pictures, answering questions, and putting out info in the craft beer world. They do an annual cellar sale which has some vintage rarities as well. Overall, not my thing. I can’t justify the trip down personally, but I can understand the hype, and have stopped in when I am in the area. (697 characters)

Awesome selection at 99 Bottles! As other commented, staff isn't the most welcoming. You shop at your own pace but they are nice. Wish they offered more growler fill options. They offer tastings but I've never attended. This is your best option for finding craft beer south of Seattle. (285 characters)

With a stout tasting coming up with some East Coast friends, I wanted to try to find something unusual I could bring back from the NW. After a less than satisfactory experience at the Metro and Tacoma Boys, we made the short drive over to Federal Way and 99 Bottles. I am very glad we did.

99 Bottles is located in a small shopping center, and from the outside looks like any other liquor store you'd find next to the barbershop and grocery store. However, once you walk in, you realize you've walked into something pretty special. The store is completely devoted to beer; craft beer and imports in particular. The left side and back walls consist of cold boxes loaded with craft beer and imports from all over, but then with stacks of 6 packs and bombers in large display areas in the middle back area of the store. The selection here is truly amazing, and I suspect represents pretty much everything that is brought into the area by local distributors. They had an excellent selection of RR sours, and their selection of DFH beers I saw on display would rival most stores on the East Coast. This is also a great place to find limited release beers from local NW breweries; my impression is that if a brewery makes something that is released into normal distribution, then you will find it here. Add to that a nice selection of glassware and various beer schwag, plus 5 or 6 beers on tap for growler fills, and you know you are in one high quality store.

Prices seemed reasonable (about the norm for the area), with growler prices in the $10 to $12 range. As for service, it's really difficult to gauge. There were just two people working on the Saturday afternoon I stopped by, with one employee manning the cash register and the other stocking beer. I assume they could probably answer most questions if you had any, but this is not the sort of store where you can expect to have employees coming up to you and asking if you need any help. At least that's the impression I had based on my one Saturday afternoon visit (hence my "average" service score).

No matter, the selection here is outstanding, and there's no doubt I'll be back again soon. On the day I was here there had to be at least 20 customers wandering around the store, most of them with looks on their faces that suggested they had somehow fallen asleep and woken up in beer heaven. I suspect the same look was on my face as well. This place is great. (2,423 characters)

Stopped by as I was working my way back to Spokane after a visit with family in Olympia. I'd tried to go here last time I was in the area, and at thta time they didn't open until 4PM, I believe. Nowadays they open at 11AM, which is much nicer for those coming into or leaving town earlier than that.

Located literally at the west end of Highway 18, 99 Bottles is located in the near-corner of a strip mall filled with various uninspiring corporate entities - truly a diamond in the rough!

Lots of coolers of beer on the left side of the store. Shelves with un-chilled beer are at the rear. The lighting is sufficiently muted to cancel any worries about beer being light-struck. By the cashier station is a growler station. I was going to be driving about 300 miles, plus there was nothing I just had to have on-tap that day, so I declined getting a growler fill, but I could very well make use of it next time I come over if there's something my brother, his wife and I all could live with.

I strictly limited myself to what I could not get at home...and walked out with 8 bottles of beer, mostly IPAs (I'm a bit of a hop head and had spent 3 1/2 days with people who are not) that were locally brewed , plus an imported porter from Israel because I'd never seen a beer from there and was curious. Prices were very reasonable - I'd picked up a bottle of Fat at a grocery store in Olympia that morning and saw it at 99 Bottles for nearly a dollar cheaper.

I will hit this place whenever I can in the future. (1,511 characters)

I was not expecting much being in Federal Way and being accustomed to Bottleworks located close to my home.

I was surprised by the great selection and presentation. I could not help myself grabbing bottle after bottle and stacking them at the check out counter. There were some nice surprises that we ended up buying. I finally walked out of there with a 132$ deduction from my credit card.

The place is set up very nicely with coolers to the left as you walk in and the special stuff in the back of the room on shelves.That is where I did most my shopping.

Plenty of local micro stuff, it seems, as much as they can get. A dozen cooler doors, at least, all packed with good stuff, pretty good selection of Germans, other imports. Not the largest belgian selection from what i remember, but definitely some cool stuff.

Seem to always have some of the good stuff: Russian River, Deschutes, etc available around here and are usually quite helpful.

Without fail, on purchases of over $100 (umm, nearly every time i've been there, what?) a few free glasses. Classy discount.

Haven't made it to one of their Wednesday $1 tastings, but they do that too. (633 characters)

I visited based on the recommendation of imacoug (a beer buddy). Fortunately I was spending the weekend on the south end of the Seattle metro area so the store was conveniently located. If I had been focused elsewhere (like downtown) it would have been a trek to frequent the store.

There was a decent quantity to select from. However, much of the inventory was in coolers. This works out well for the locals but I live 200 miles away so I prefer to buy bottles off the shelf.

The shopping mall the store is located in is at a very busy intersection and the mall is very busy. I had a hard time parking close to the store. However, the staff helped carry out my order...good service.

The store is very clean and well organized. The staff take great pride in the store and their mission.

I've been down to 99 Bottles two or three times and they are a great little bottle shop. Huge selection, clean space, helpful staff, reasonable prices. I think some beers hang around there longer than other spots. Overall a must-visit if you're anywhere near Federal Way. (271 characters)

Located in a fairly busy mall, this is certainly one of the better bottle shops I've been in. Obvious care has been put into taking care of product re UV lighting. Really nice selection, especially hard to find Washington breweries and their one-off products. Good selection of Lost Abbey products (sadly not available in OR) they had a pretty big stack of Red Poppy, right next to the full range of bottled RR sours. A small wine selection. They had a $1 taster special, the day I visited they were doing stouts, really small pours (2 oz.) though. Very knowledgeable and caring staff. Given relative proximity Sea-Tac, this is a very worthy stop for the traveling BA. Reasonable prices with a Facebook check-in discount of 10% on 6 bottles of same product, though the bastardly 9+% sales tax cuts into any value priced bottles. Highly recommended. (866 characters)

A great beer store on the south end of Federal Way. Selection is very good, ranging from the local PNW limited releases, to Belgians, to Germans, to easter european. Staff is knowledgable and friendly and always hasa suggestions for whatever style you're looking for. Prices seem on par with other specialty beer shops in the Seattle area. They have a punchcard system so when you buy 99 bottles you get a free tshirt, or something like that. Also, they have tastings in store every month usually with a rep of the resepective brewery.

Overall a great shop for the south end, good location, great service and excellent selection. (632 characters)

It appears I have found the upside to being on a client assignment in Tacoma - it would be near impossible to imagine venturing down here from Seattle on a regular basis due to the proximity of other options.

99 bottles is very much in a mall - the air smells of grill from a nearby restaurant and there is lots of hustle and bustle in the after-work hours. What's inside the doors of 99 bottles is pretty special though.

Much like most of the best beer stores I've been to in the world, this place aint big. A wall of coolers has a heavy focus on singles and bombers spanning anything you can find in Washington. Schooner growlers, boundary bay bottles, Harmon bottles and lots of things I have yet to even discover. The import selection is decent - the belgian stash cant compete with other parts of the country but there is competitive with other Seattle spots.

The dry storage area had lots of good stuff - boulevard brett saison, strange Epic beers not logged on this site yet, stone collaborations, things from dogfish head i havent heard of, russian river wild ales, and so forth.

I'm not on the Bottleworks hate-wagon like some are but it doesnt appear to be the only game in town anymore with the emergence of 99 Bottles, Chucks, and other places I have yet to make it to.

The service was overwhelmed with a tasting that was going on at the time, but I preferred to just browse anyway. (1,399 characters)

This store is located in a new strip mall. Chain stores and fast food restaurants of all types surround it.

The store itself is very new and clean. Glass cooler doors line the entire left wall as you enter, too many to count. More beers and glassware on room temp. shelves on back wall and rear right wall. Large service counter to the right of the door.

Hundreds of beers to choose from. Saw a few beers that I hadn't seen much before like Gordon from Oscar Blues and a Belgian or two my Belgian loving friend commented on not seeing usually.

The service was friendly and I saw the staff answering customer questions.

Prices seemed in line and reflected the cost to the store. Example: Bear Republic is $3.50 per bomber where as Great Divide is $6.50.

They also do tastings and due to whatever law is applying in this situation they are cost friendly. $1 for the tasting and you get 4 2oz. tastes. So 8oz. for $1. I haven't attended a tasting. (959 characters)

99 Bottles is an outstanding craft beer store. The location is a bit surprising in a very commercial shopping area where everything is a franchise. But this beer-only establishment is anything but corporate.

The selection is extensive and extremely well displayed. It's neat, organized and well presented. Every beer has a tag with some basic info including a description, price and abv. And more than half is refrigerated. I picked up a RR Temptation to haul back to NC. Unfortunately they were out of Pliny.

99 Bottles is a fantastic store and well worth a trip from just about anywhere. (591 characters)

A: I'd probably own stock in this place by now if they went public with an IPO. Walking in it's usually busy, all hours unless you catch them as soon as doors open. So do not be alarmed if they don't immediately greet you. The place is cozy and casual, plenty of light, good vibe, lots of local support and smaller weekly events make this a great beer destination. Overall, the atmosphere is good and the amiance is nice.

Q: I have consumed hundreds of beers from this place none have been less than stellar on quilaity. Half of the beer is properly stored in coolers with the rest on shelves but at room temp

S: Good, never had bad service, not even on the busiest day but they do become quickly overwhelmed which speaks volumes for the establishment. If you don't know, ask, they will answer. Just don't ask a dumb arse question about vintage Tequiza or a growler of Dos Equis to go.

S: Very good, they usually fget everything you want and more. Cases of Sucaba, Parabola sit on the floor begging to be hauled out. It is a beer destination!

No food here but some buts and those types of things. Glassware, beer schwag and kegs to go plus the counter pressure growlers are a nice bonus! (1,192 characters)

I was not sure I had time to stop at this beer store on my trip from Seattle to Portland. I am quite excited that I made the decision to get off the highway. This is a fantastic beer store and among top store's I've ever visited.

First it starts with the selection.. The entire left wall of the store is a cooler with rows and rows of single bottles of beer. (Note the name) All of it stored at refrigerated temperatures. There were also displays of specialty beers and imports.. Additionally, they had a very nice glassware selection.

I was interested specifically in options from the Northwest that I could take back east with me. Boy the decisions were very difficult. So difficult that I had to make another detour to the UPS store to send myself a package... (Does this qualify as a Trade with myself?)

But in reality, there was something even better about this store. It was both Craig & Tiffany. (The owners) These were great folks and could not have been more friendly and attentive. A special thanks to Craig for that last bottle you found for me!! Just an hour before I had visited Bottleworks in Seattle and the difference in the level of service was really unreal. If I could have pulled up a stool and opened one of the beers, I would have stayed for the day. When I visit Seattle this will be a mandatory stop.

The atmosphere was fantastic and it was clear that Craig's passion and vision is to cater to total beer geeks like myself.

Kudos to Craig and Tiffany for creating this beer wonderland. (1,514 characters)

I went here for the 99 Bottle's cellar sale expecting it to be somewhat of a mad house. Instead it was calm and ordered and the employee was super helpful. The shop was well lit and all of the items that should be stored cold were. They had a great selection and were super helpful whenever I asked any questions. I will definitely be returning. They had a great selection of beers from around the world and also had a very nice selection of glassware. They were easily accessible from the freeway. Completely polar opposite of my experiences at bottleworks in terms of the vibe and the helpfulness of the employees. (616 characters)

I finally decided to make the drive up to Federal Way to buy some beer here and I am glad I did.

The selection is huge with beers from breweries all over the NW, the US and the world. There was also a large selection of glassware as well.

The staff was friendly asked me if I wanted help when I came in the door then let me browse in peace which I prefer.

The prices seemed reasonable for most things.

Overall this was the best bottle shop I've ever been too. The selection was awesome, the staff was friendly and the prices reasonable. I will be going here more in the future I'm sure. (593 characters)

I love this place. It takes me about 30 minutes to get there, but I often pass it en route to other destinations and make sure I stop in. Selection is about as good as it could get out here. Yes a lot of the beer is expensive, but I know other places in the area where it is more expensive. Good beer comes at a price. Service is top-notch here as the staff loves to talk about beer and are extremely knowledgeable. Also, they seem to do 1-2 tastings per week with different breweries, distributors, and experts. I have even seen the head brewer at some of the best breweries on the chalk board as the tasting guest. If Michael Jackson were still around, I am pretty sure he would have already hosted a Belgian tasting here! (724 characters)

99 Bottles is cleanest, best organized, and upscale beer store I have visited. Single bottle pricing makes trying new beers more affordable. Very large selection. Over 1000 different beers? I don't know, and I wasn't about to try to count. Seems the imports and Belgians in particular were better represented. I was hoping to find a good selection of Midwest and East Coast beers, IPAs in particular, but was disappointed. This is probably not the store's fault as much as it is a craft brew distribution limitation. Some beers readily available at good grocery stores were priced higher, which doesn't make sense to me.

A beautiful store. I suspect they have high overhead and I hope they make a successful go of it. (719 characters)

I took a short drive from Fort Lewis to Tacoma with a friend after learning about 99 bottles. Upon entry the line of beer coolers immediately gets your attention. The place is set up very nicely and is appealing to the eye. The wooden shelves with singles and six packs are well stocked. The experience was a little overwhelming with such a great selection. I found myself in a state of vertigo after I returned to the place I entered a few times to review the options.

The service was friendly and I couldn't find anything out of line as far as pricing goes. I chose a Caracole and an old chub stick lip moisturizer to go along with my liquid purchases. I was highly impressed and will most certainly be returning the next time I am in the Tacoma area. (758 characters)

After moving from Rochester NY (home of Beers of The World) 16 years ago -- I was soooo happy to finally have a real beer store only 10 min away from my home. We used to have to drive to Seattle for any decent beer store and then we paid too much for the beers in my opinion. 99 Bottles has better prices, a huge selection that is constantly changing and fantastic service. No need to travel up the I-5 corridor any more. Finally! 99 Bottle fills a large beer gap here in South King County. They're open 6 days a week and closed on Mondays so plan ahead! (554 characters)

99 Bottles is a great place to find virtually any bottled beer you can think of. They have both great prices and knowledgable employees who are willing to help. If I can't find the beer I want at top foods, chances are these guys will have it. Quality is top-line, not a hole in the wall like some beer stores. Service is excellent, staff is willing to help in any way they can. And they have the best beer selection south of seattle washington and north of portland oregon. I would recommend this place to anybody living in pierce county or south king county. (560 characters)